In this annual report, we reflect on the past two challenging years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has deeply affected individual health, community well-being, and economic stability. At the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP), we prioritized the safety of our staff and community partners, demonstrating remarkable perseverance in these trying times. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated management, staff, and supporters for their unwavering commitment.
The pandemic, compounded by heavy rains that rendered many areas inaccessible, required innovative solutions from our team. Frontline staff navigated flooded regions by boat and adapted to new community distribution points to ensure continued health service delivery. Despite school closures, the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) maintained its operations through virtual methods and by utilizing alternative spaces.
Collaborating with 12 District Taskforces, the World Health Organization, and other partners, RHSP effectively managed the epidemic’s impact. As our current PEPFAR/CDC grant concludes, we look forward to ongoing collaboration with the CDC to enhance HIV health services in the Masaka region. Our commitment to quality service delivery continues, driven by new strategies and technologies.
We express our deep gratitude to our staff, communities, local government, international partners, and research collaborators for their steadfast support. Together, we remain confident in our ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.